DONETSK, Ukraine: Karim Benzema says he does not feel any extra pressure to deliver for France, despite expectations that Euro 2012 will prove to be a breakthrough tournament for the 24-year-old striker.

As the starting centre-forward in France's 4-3-3 formation, and one of only two strikers, alongside Olivier Giroud, in the French squad, Benzema will spearhead France's bid to reach the quarter-finals.

That quest begins on Monday, against England in France's Group D opener, and having broken a five-game goal drought with a brace in the 4-0 defeat of Estonia on Tuesday, Benzema says he is in perfect condition.

“I feel really great,” he said at a press conference on Saturday.

“I've picked up confidence at Real Madrid and with the France team.

Everything I try comes off. I've worked to be in top shape.”

After a difficult start to his Madrid career, Benzema ousted Gonzalo Higuain from the starting XI mid-way through the 2010-11 campaign and this season he recorded career-best statistics of 32 goals from 52 appearances.

A fundamental component of the Madrid side that blasted their way to the Spanish league title, Benzema is emerging as one of the world's top players, but he says he does not consider himself a star.

“I'm a football player,” he said.

“Being a star is what happens around the game. The essential thing is to be in top shape on the pitch and work for the team.”

Along with Holland's Robin van Persie and Germany's Mario Gomez, Benzema is one of the favourites to finish as top scorer at the Euro, but he says he is not motivated by the prospect of personal glory.

“I'm here to have a good Euro with everyone,” he explained.

“Aside from that, if I have chances, I can score or set up other people.”

Benzema has shown a good understanding with Franck Ribery during France's warm-up games, notably setting up the Bayern Munich winger for the opening goal against Estonia with a deft back-heeled pass.

Ribery also teed up Benzema for his second goal early in the second period and the Madrid striker says he is pleased to see his team-mate back in form after a string of underwhelming performances for his country.

“He's always been very strong,” said Benzema.

“He's had a few problems with the France team but he's always been a great player and he's had some great seasons with Munich.

“He's come back in great form and he's very important for our team. I hope he'll be on top form on Monday, but I don't doubt that he will be.”

England have adopted a counter-attacking approach in their two warm-up matches under under new coach Roy Hodgson -- a pair of 1-0 wins over Norway and Belgium.

France expect their opponents to approach Monday's game at Donetsk's Donbass Arena in similar fashion and Benzema says it is up to him and his attacking colleagues to shake them out of their defensive composure.

“You have to move a lot and find space. We'll need movement and we can't fall into their trap. They'll want to make things physical, but we're ready for that.”

Having been left out of France's 2010 World Cup squad after a poor debut season at Madrid, Benzema will be appearing in his second major tournament after Euro 2008.

Although coach Laurent Blanc has emphasised the importance of humility since the humiliation of France's training ground strike and group-stage exit in South Africa, Benzema believes Les Bleus should aim for the stars.

Asked what a successful tournament would constitute, he replied: “It'd be to go to the end, to win it.

“It'd be a dream, but first you have to get through the first round. The first aim is to beat England and get past the first round.”